Rep. Graham is the first African-American in history to be a Democratic leader in the House.

State Representatives Rocky Adkins, Derrick Graham and Joni Jenkins will serve as the House Democratic Leadership team for the next two years, following a vote by their fellow caucus members.

(left to right) House Democratic Chair Derrick Graham of Frankfort, House Democratic Whip Joni Jenkins of Shively and House Democratic Leader Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook.

Rep. Graham is the first African-American and Rep. Jenkins is the second woman in history to be a Democratic leader in the House.

“I’ve been proud to be the House Democratic Floor Leader for the past two years and, before then, House Majority Floor Leader since 2003, and I look forward to working alongside Derrick and Joni and our fellow Democratic members as we prepare for the 2019 legislative session,” said Leader Adkins, whose 99th House District includes all of Elliott, Lewis and Rowan counties.

“We’re more committed than ever to moving the commonwealth forward and helping all Kentuckians, not just a select few. As always, we will work across the aisle whenever possible, but stand ready to oppose any policies that move Kentucky in the wrong direction,” added Adkins.

“I want to thank my fellow caucus members for their support and look forward to hitting the ground running as House Democratic Caucus Chair,” said Rep. Graham, whose 57th House District includes a large portion of Franklin County.

“We have a dynamic and diverse caucus that brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Capitol, and together, we will do all we can to keep improving public education and the health and well-being of our citizens,” added Graham.

“I also want to thank our caucus for giving me the opportunity to be their next House Democratic Whip,” said Rep. Jenkins, whose 44th House District includes Shively and runs along the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of Jefferson County.

“I think we have the best of both worlds, because our caucus has a wonderful mix of experienced and newly elected members, but we all share the same commitment to making Kentucky a better place in which to live and work,” added Jenkins.

All three House leaders have served in other leadership capacities prior to their current roles. Leader Adkins was previously House Majority Floor Leader, while Rep. Graham was chair of the House Education Committee and Rep. Jenkins chaired the House budget subcommittee that oversaw Medicaid and other health services.

(provided by Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of House Democratic Caucus)